Russian Nesting Dolls - The Beginning

According legend, first nested doll prototype appeared in Russia in the late 19th century (believed to be year 1890), it was figurine of bold headed old man, Buddhist sage by the name of Fukuruma, on the island of Honshu, Japan.

According Hakone Town Office, Japan, products such as "Shichifukujin" and "Irokawaridaruma" have been created from Junitamago. "Shichifukujin" was shipped to Russia at the end of the 19th century, becoming a folkcraft called Matryoshika, or a doll having children. It is thought that Russian missionaries from the Russian church which used to be in Tohnosawa visited Hakone for the summer and took "Junitamago" back to Russia as souvenirs. Let us explain what Shichifukujin mean.

According Japan sources -

Japan`s Shichifukujin--usually identified as Ebisu, Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Fukurokuju, Jurojin, and Hotei--are traditionally believed to bring good fortune and happiness to people. The seven have long been depicted in painting, sculpture, song, and dance and began to be worshiped as a group several hundred years ago. The practice of making a meguri, or pilgrimage, to shrines and temples of all the Shichifukujin during the New Year season became popular during the Edo period (1603-1868). Shichifukujin Meguri are still popular everywhere in Japan--including the Fukagawa and Kameido districts of Tokyo`s Koto-ku.
But Russian nesting doll got another name and had a different meaning from the very beginning.

At the end of 19th century at Russia Children`s Education Workshop at Abramtzevo village near Moscow was established. Abramtzevo workshop started to produce dolls in traditional ethnic dress. That workshop collected dolls from all over the country and from countries abroad. Dolls series was designed to entertain childs and to give them knowledge of other ethnicities.

It is believed that Fukuruma doll inspired Russian artist S.V. Malyutin to produce first "Matrioshka" (nesting doll in Russian) doll.
But Russian doll was different from original Japanese one.
At Russia it became toy, game for childs, it depicted the chain of life, and got woman name.

It is the diminutive form of Matrona or Matriona. Therefore, Matroska, should be a feminine noun. "Matrona" is Bysantee and ancient Rome originated name, which means "well respected woman".

Matrioshka appeared as synthesis of Buddhist sculpture, pre-Christian toys of Russia and Christian beliefs of 19th century.

Original, ancient Russian dolls was produced from solid piece of wood and depicted ancient - pre-Christian gods. That dolls was in fact, miniature ancient Indo-Iranian pagans, they depicted Horses, Cows, Birds, Humans.
Once Bysantee Empire style Christianity appeared in Russia at VIII-IX century, that type of dolls was transformed into wooden figures of animals and Heroes of fairy tales, cause " pagan toys " was not Ok to use anymore.
Russian Matrioshka produced from solid piece of wood too, but became nested, and depicts people, fairy tales heroes or animals - same as many centuries ago, but now - with Buddhist sence, nested.

Nested doll was very popular toy for childs cause it helps to develop motility of fingers, imagination, representation about the sizes and colors.

"Matrioshka" nested doll spelled differently outside Russia.
Exactly, According to the spelling mat + ros (as in albatross OR as in metros) + ka (as in Alaska) [mę̀trɔ́skə, mę̀tróuskə] According to the original Russian word ma as in machine; tro as in tr in try + Yo in New York, but shorter and narrower; ska as in sh in ship + ka in Alaska [mətrʲóʃkə] ----

Here's How Etsy's Resident Trend Expert Created Her Own Dream JobReal SimpleYou know when you meet someone whose job sounds so unique and cool you can't imagine how they found such a great gig? Well, Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy's resident trend expert, is one of those people. As a trend pro, she spends her days scrolling Etsy ...

EveryWoman's Journal: Self-Care Through Self-ExpressionMadison.comTake some time out for yourself and see how journaling can be a self-care activity. At this 2-hour workshop, you'll be guided through expressive writing techniques that help to increase awareness of your mental, physical, and emotional health ...

Intro to GenealogyMadison.comLearn what resources the library has to offer to help you get started tracing your family history. This program is free and open to the public. To register, or for information, visit www.veronapubliclibrary.org, or call 608-845-7180. The Verona Public ...

Money OrigamiMadison.comOrigami originated in Japan in the 17th century. Find out why it is still relevant and popular today. The next time you tip your server, or drop a dollar in the donation jar, make it an origami dollar! Participants will learn to make three delightful ...

NaNoWriMo Support GroupMadison.comAre you writing a novel for NaNoWriMo? (National Novel Writing Month) Bring writing to share or brainstorm some ideas with other teen writers and try our writing prompts! Meet at the Middleton Public Library on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 3 to 4 pm.and more »

Ireland, Tiffany AnnPress of Atlantic CityTiffany was a talented artist and loved doing crafts/hobbies with her children. Her true passion was attending her children's sporting events and not only cheering them on but the whole team as well. She will always be remembered by all for her ...

Brenda Kaye Giuliani AdamsWV NewsIt is with great sadness that the family of Brenda Kaye Giuliani Adams announces her passing. She passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of November 11, 2018, after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Previously a resident of Kingwood ...

RELATED ARTICLESThe Wonderful Art of Bonsai
The potential for enjoyment of Bonsai trees is enormous. These
are the dwarf-sized trees that have been developed in the Asian
countries of China and Japan for many hundreds of years.
Creating A Family Tradition-Jigsaw Puzzles
Do you find it difficult to spend time together as a family?There are so many pressures and activities that can take away from the sense of family which was more commonly experienced 50 years ago. Parents often both work, and their commute can be tiring and long.
Embroidery Digitizing Software
Embroidery Magic 2 software is very easy to use to make lettering, it is also easy to learn to use the digitizing part of the program but to digitize a good design takes learning, skill and practice. An example of what I am saying is that - for a artist to paint a picture, all it takes is some canvas, paint and brushes (these supplies and tools are easy for anyone to use but it takes learning, practice and artistic skill to paint a beautiful picture.
Jewelry Making: Measuring for Bracelets Without a Tape
Your cousin's friend in Saskatchewan has asked you to design a custom bracelet for her. You have all the beads, materials, and tools, but you're stumped about the length.
Civil War Uniforms: 5 Tips on Making Your Trousers Last Forever!
Are your pants wearing out too fast?Does it look like you are expecting a flood because your pants are too short?Make your Civil War Uniform trousers last forever by following these 5 tips!1. Cut your trousers long, so when you first start wearing them you will have to roll them up a few times.
Rubber Stamps - For Teachers and Students
Once again we are reminded that summer is not long enough. It is the beginning of another back to school shopping season.
Hollywood Gets Crafty - Knitting And Crocheting Not Just For Grandma Anymore
Sometimes it's hard to imagine that the stars who shine so brightly on cinematic screens are people just like the rest of us. We often think that their lives are so much more interesting and exciting than our own and that we have little or nothing in common with the Hollywood crowd.
Why Should You Collect Cat Collectibles?
Let the cat out of the bag! True, you will know various cat collectibles in here. No secret will be hidden, and no cat collectibles you wouldn't know.
Embroidery Designs Testing for Machine Embroidery
We have found a "new" way to see how well the stabilizers and methods you are using are working with so that your designs look GREAT without any off outlines, puckering, cupping or warping. This is a TEST - Only a Test - but if You and your stabilizers pass - You will have great looking designs.
Lighted Holiday Potpourri Jars
Lighted potpourri jars are a festive addition to any holiday decor. They are inexpensive, easy to make, and make great hostess gifts.
Treasure Hunting - The Unusual Ways
When you think of treasure hunting, maybe gold coins and precious stones come to mind, but it doesn't end there. You can start in your own attic to see what treasures you find.
How to Make Personalized Candle Gifts From Ordinary Candles
If you are looking for a fun gift to make for any occasion, then personalized candle making may be something you would like to consider. There are many ways to make personalized candles, depending on how much time and money you are willing to spend.
Use Order and Text to Give Life to Your Scrapbook
There are no specific rules stating that all photographs or mementos must be placed in chronological order. Therefore, it is completely up you the order you wish to place your items and embellishments.
Scrapbooking Childrens Favorite Stories
Countless memories are built during the formative childhood days. If there's an excellent means to record them down in some ways, it'll be scrapbooking.
Bookmarks As Unique As You
Racks and racks of bookmarks ranging from funny to inspirational are available in most bookstores. But for a truly unique bookmark, make your own from a treasured digital photo.
Genealogy / Family History
One huge advantage of knowing about family history is that sometimes it can help you to trace and pinpoint occurrences of illness.My father and two of my brothers had all died of heart attacks at a fairly young age.
Aromatherapy Candles - How to Select the Right Scent
Feel sad, tired, or a little bit stressed? Something as simple as an aromatherapy candle could help you relax and feel happier. But not all scented candles have this effect.
Getting Started Selling Your Crafts
Until recently crafts were usually sold locally or, at best, regionally. Now you literally have the whole world at your fingertips! Some of you may choose a gradual progression from selling to friends, to selling at fairs and shows, to retail selling ? and so on.
Finding The Best Display Case For Your Treasures
Maybe you have a bunch of collectibles sitting in your closet gathering dust. Or perhaps you've been storing your fine China in the kitchen cupboards instead of a hutch.
The Most Powerful Attribute in Antiques and Collectibles
What can increase your sales volume and make you more productive day in and day out? You've probably heard this three word statement that seperates those who wish they could do better,from those who really do.Knowledge is power!This three word statement is more than just a great philosophy.